It is unethical to force Americans to choose between their religions and their choices of presidential candidates. Issues such as gay marriage, abortion, birth control and other religious matters have no place in politics. Many extremist Republican and Democratic advocates are playing the religious card in order to persuade citizens to vote for a particular candidate. I have heard everything from ‘Romney practices polygamy’ to ‘vote for Obama and you are going to burn in hell.’

IU Southeast made national headlines when Richard Mourdock, Republican candidate for the Indiana Senate, made a statement saying despite the “horrible situation” from which they occur, pregnancy from rape was “something God intended.” I am a Hoosier, born, raised and, most importantly, proud. When someone who is proposing to be a representative of this great state, says something so incredibly demeaning, it just makes me sad to see how far behind this state is in terms of moving forward politically. Nearly immediately, network news stations and social media began buzzing about the Senate-hopeful’s statement. Mourdock fell in line with other Republican candidates we have been subject to this election season that are trying to negotiate the severity of rape.

Freedom. There is no concept, no idea, more central to the American psyche and way of life than that of freedom. Freedom to say, do and believe whatever. Freedom to go anywhere and be anything.

My beliefs are based on freedom of choice. One of the largest issues we combat as citizens is the fight for rights. Many believe the first amendment covers such rights, however, freedoms get chipped...

Religion drew a large group of interested people to hear a lively discussion of different beliefs at the IUS Stem Concert Hall on Monday, Nov. 10.